Medically reviewed by Baptist Well being
Being pregnant is thrilling as you sit up for the delivery of your child. However it’s additionally a scary time, as you are worried concerning the varied well being points that may have an effect on your unborn little one.
That’s very true within the age of COVID-19, given how contagious the virus is and the danger of creating severe sickness when you’re not vaccinated. Beneath is necessary details about COVID-19 for anybody who’s pregnant or contemplating turning into pregnant.
What You Ought to Know About COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with signs that usually seem in 2-14 days following an infection with the virus. Most frequently, signs develop 4 days after you’re contaminated. They will embody:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Lack of sense of style or odor
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
Different diseases may cause many of those signs, as properly. It’s necessary to contact your physician when you develop any of them.
Are Pregnant Ladies Extra More likely to Get Severely Sick From COVID-19?
In accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), being pregnant makes you extra prone to get significantly sick when you contract COVID-19 and to require hospitalization, remedy in an intensive care unit, and the help of a ventilator to breathe. And individuals who develop severe instances of COVID-19 can die from it.
Different elements can improve the danger of great sickness from COVID-19 for people who find themselves pregnant. These embody being over age 25, having sure underlying medical situations, dwelling, or working in areas with low vaccination charges and/or a excessive variety of COVID-19 instances, spending time in locations the place it’s tough or unattainable to keep up ample distance from others, and being a part of some racial and ethnic minority teams.
Contracting COVID-19 Whereas Pregnant Can Have an effect on Your Unborn Child
Individuals who contract COVID-19 whereas pregnant usually tend to have a preterm delivery (that means their child is born sooner than 37 weeks) or a stillbirth (that means the demise of a child earlier than or throughout supply). Different being pregnant issues could also be extra possible in individuals who have COVID-19 throughout being pregnant than those that don’t, as properly.
Nonetheless, it’s necessary to not panic when you’re pregnant and take a look at constructive for COVID-19. There are remedies that docs can use to handle COVID-19 in people who find themselves pregnant.
As for whether or not you possibly can cross COVID-19 to your unborn child, the proof obtainable means that it’s unlikely. However extra analysis is required. The identical is true about passing the virus to your child by way of breastfeeding. Based mostly on a number of research, it doesn’t seem that you would be able to. Nonetheless, researchers proceed to be taught extra about COVID-19 and breastfeeding.
Can You Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Whereas Pregnant?
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who find themselves pregnant, making an attempt to get pregnant, could try and get pregnant sooner or later or are breastfeeding. In addition they suggest getting a booster shot following the rules in place on the time that you just’re contemplating a booster. The rules proceed to evolve primarily based on new data of the virus and any variants that develop.
Shield Your self and Your Child
The danger to you and your child of getting COVID-19 whilst you’re pregnant is actual. The excellent news is that by getting vaccinated and following greatest practices like avoiding crowds, carrying a masks when acceptable, and washing your arms ceaselessly, you possibly can significantly cut back that threat and defend your self and your child.
Make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or be taught extra about maternity care at Baptist Well being. For those who’re searching for a healthcare supplier, you’ll find a supplier close to you utilizing our on-line supplier listing.
Subsequent Steps and Helpful Sources
Discover a Supplier
Is It Secure to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
The best way to Enhance the Possibilities of Getting Pregnant
What Is Omicron? Understanding the Newest COVID-19 Variant.
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